Australia is in action today against Ireland in their first league match in the ICC T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. It is going to be a very interesting match, apart from the points these two teams have something else to fight for and that is the rankings. Ironically Australia who have been a dominant force since the ICC rankings came into existence is ranked below Ireland in this tournament.
Australia were the finalists in West Indies and will once again be hoping to replicate the form they showed in the Caribbean. They haven’t had a good time in T20s in the recent past and that will worry their new captain. One can never count out Australia and even in this tournament they have the firepower to bring the trophy home.
Ireland is one of the most improved sides and some will say that going by their performance they are a better side than Bangladesh. They played some wonderful cricket in ICC ODI World Cup and they will once again be confident to put up a good show. Lots of their players play in England and have a good experience of playing in T20s. Australia will be favorites to win but one can’t count out the Irish.
Let’s have a look at some of the key players from either sides:
Australia:
Shane Watson: He is one of the most dangerous batsmen in international cricket. Watson has tremendous power and can clear any ground with ease. Australia depends a lot on him and the extra responsibility seems to work for him. He is dangerous against both fast bowlers and
spinners and can take them to cleaners. He is very good with the ball as well and can bowl in the death overs.
David Warner: Together, Warner and Watson create one of the most dangerous opening pair in world cricket. Warner takes no time to get the start and provides that cushion to Watson. Warner can tear apart a bowling line-up in a matter of few overs.
Pat Cummins: He is one of the most exciting fast-bowling talents going around. He can bowl at express pace and is very good with the change of pace. Cummins can be a game-changer for Australia in this competition.
Mitchell Starc: He has been very good for Australia in the recent series. He bowled beautifully against Pakistan in the ODIs and the T20s. Starc has the ability to swing the ball at a good pace. He can trouble the right-handers with his in-swingers and is very dangerous
with the new ball.
Ireland:
Niall O’Brien: He is one of the most experienced Irish cricketers and is their most consistent performer. He has a tremendous experience of playing in England and that will be very useful for his team. Niall O’Brien has in the past won big matches for Ireland.
Kevin O’Brien: He is the biggest striker of the cricket ball in the Irish team. No one can forget the record-breaking innings that he played against England in the ICC ODI World Cup. the innings showed the hitting power the man possesses. He will be the key to Ireland’s success.
Trent Johnston: In terms of age, he is amongst the most experienced player who will play in this World Cup. Johnston has been playing for Ireland since ages and will once again lead the bowling attack. He can be very good with his variations.
Boyd Rankin: This tall fast bowler has been a very impressive bowler for the Irish side. He has a tremendous T20 record, taking 17 wickets at an average of 19 and an economy of 6.1. He can use his height to good effect.
By Indian Sports News Network
